Michael Lancaster

Lawrenceville, GA- Michael D. Lancaster, 55, of Lawrenceville, GA, Midlothian, VA, and formerly of Keene, NH, passed away on June 12, 2013 at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital in Richmond, VA after a long illness. Mike was born February 2, 1958 in Panama City, FL. He was the son of Barbara Helderman-Tardiff and Maxie D. Lancaster. Mike’s early years were spent in Spain, California, and New Hampshire. He graduated from Keene High School, Class of 1976, attended Keene State College, NH and graduated in 1979 from Perimeter College in Atlanta, GA with an Associate Degree in electronic engineering. Electronics were Mike’s passion and the focus of his life. He was employed by Fisher Scientific as an in-house technician before entering the field of medical electronic technology with Roche Diagnostics and then cryosurgical products with CryoMedical Systems. He branched into electronic voice recognition with IntelliVoice prior to entering the field of diagnostic medical x-ray with Hologic. His most challenging position with ProVision Dental, where he traveled extensively worldwide to install and service their equipment, was ended unexpectedly in 2004 because of his illness. Mike’s hobbies included radio control planes, scuba diving, and downhill skiing. He enjoyed cruises and traveled extensively. He was a movie buff, enjoyed reading, and was a diehard Atlanta Braves and Falcons fan. Mike loved nature and wildlife. He was devoted to his two beloved poodle companions, Dancer and Gilley. Mike was a thoughtful, loving, and generous person who, as his best friend Marc Konik once remarked, “Would give you the shirt off his back.” Mike served as an acolyte and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church, Keene, NH. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Helderman-Tardiff of Chester, VA; and his father, Maxie D. Lancaster and his wife, Alice, of Pahrump, NV. Mike was predeceased by his step-father, Richard Tardiff; his maternal grandparents, James F. Helderman, and Harold and Mary Stokes Funderburk; and his paternal grandparents, Wallace and Carrie Gallman Lancaster. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 6th, 11:00am in Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church, Glenn Springs, SC, officiated by Reverend Dr. B. E. Pettit. Interment of the cremains will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service. The family will then receive friends in the Family Life Center. The Reverend Gordon Mape III of Chester Presbyterian Church in Chester, VA will officiate at A Time of Remembrance to be held in Mike’s memory for the residents of Morningside at Bellegrade, 2800 Polo Parkway, Midlothian, VA on Friday, July 12th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Glenn Springs Presbyterian Church Building Fund, P O Box 279, Pauline, SC 29374; or to any wildlife conservation group or humane society.